Southwest WI FAQ

How do I get started?

Complete the Southwest Wisconsin SBDC online request for consulting form. It is a simple and quick online form that collects basic contact and business information. This will generate an email that is sent to both you and our consultant, Brock Waterman. The Southwest Wisconsin SBDC is one-person center, but Brock makes an effort to reply ASAP, typically within 1-2 business days.

Do you take a percentage of my business? What is your fee?

This is a free government service provided by the UW-Extension and the Wisconsin SBDC. No ownership is taken and no fees are charged for consulting.

How is your effectivness tracked?

Each SBDC center is tracked by the economic impact their clients have in the region. As we work together we will identify these metrics and have you client sign-off on the verification documents.

Businesses started or purchased

Full-time and part-time jobs added or saved

Revenue increases

Financing obtained

Investor capital raised

Owner capital investments

Exporting

Government contracts

Is this a confidential service?

As it states on the home page of the Wisconsin SBDC site (http://www.wisconsinsbdc.org/) this is confidential consulting. We encourage most clients to sign the “Permission to Use Client Profile and Success Story Release Form” because it allows us to reach out on your behalf when needed, but ultimately the choice to sign is yours. Additionally, some clients will asked to be Client Success Stories, but the client retains the choice to participate.

How does a consulting session work?

This varies by your business type and needs, which drive the process, but know that each interaction is tailored to your needs. Brock spends time learning about your current situation and background. Knowing your situation is what allows us to help you attain your goals. In business there are a lot of concerns and questions. Our process is to help understand what needs to be done next and how you can get it accomplished.

What do I need to do for our first meeting?

Write down your questions and topics you would like to discuss and bring this to the meeting. Be ready to talk about what you know and what you have done. Be open minded and ready to listen. You may also want to take notes.

How is the Southwest Wisconsin SBDC funded?

Every state SBDC is funded in part at by the SBA (Small Business Administration) and must hit certain goals to retain accredidation. In most parts of Wisconsin universities and colleges also fund SBDC operations. The Southwest Wisconsin SBDC is not currently associated with a higher education institution in the area. However, UW-Extension is currently provided needed funding.

Two other local organizations are also providing partial funding starting in 2016: